[FPARC] FCC Emergency Policy

[Dock Edwards]

  Hello All;
_______________________________________________________==>FCC EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DECLARATION POLICY PREFERS VHF-UHF

The FCC has formalized its policy for issuing an emergency communications
declaration (ECD) on Amateur Radio Service frequencies. The policy, which
became effective August 2, states that ECDs will be issued for VHF or UHF
repeaters--if the licensee consents--or on simplex channels in the
60-meter band. The FCC will not entertain requests to specifically
sequester frequencies in other HF bands for emergency traffic only. Past
emergency communications declarations--typically issued during
weather-related emergencies--have put frequencies on 75 and 40 meters off
limits to general use in an affected region.

"ECDs may only be issued after a disaster disrupts normal communication
systems in a geographic area subject to FCC regulation," the FCC said,
citing §97.401(b). Under its provisions, when a disaster disrupts normal
telecommunications systems in a given area, the FCC may declare a
temporary communication emergency that sets forth any special conditions
and special rules stations must observe while it's in effect. The policy
clarifies that the FCC has authority to issue ECDs only for communication
emergencies and not on the basis of anticipated emergencies. It also
tightens up the requirements to request an ECD.

The policy calls for VHF and UHF Amateur Service channels to receive
preference for ECDs. Requests may indicate a specific repeater system,
subject to permission from the repeater's licensee or trustee. On HF, the
FCC says, an ECD may authorize the use of one or two 60-meter channels,
centered on 5332, 5348, 5368, 5373 and 5405 kHz, subject to §97.303(s).
See ARRL's Frequently Asked Questions regarding 60-meter operation
<http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/faq-60.html> for details.

The FCC said frequencies in other amateur bands--where emergency nets
already have been established--may be used during emergencies under the
provisions of §97.101(c). That rule section stipulates that amateur
operators give priority to stations providing emergency communications "at
all times and on all frequencies."

The FCC policy, Emergency Communications Declarations in the Amateur Radio
Service, is available on the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/emcom-declarations.html